Henry is still maintaining his innocence and when he went before a judge, he pleaded not-guilty, which means a trial will happen. Sarah warned us that we would likely have to testify against him. I’m not looking forward to that, but the trial hasn’t been scheduled yet, so I have some time to prepare.
Arnold Toppler pleaded guilty and from what Sarah has been able to get from Sheriff McKnight, he took a plea deal in return for testifying against Henry.
For now, we maintain a routine, though it feels a little like living through limbo until we know what will happen with Henry.
“I’m ready! I brushed all my teeth. See?” Emily hooks her index finger in the corner of her mouth and opens wide.
“Missed a spot, squirt,” Jax points out.
“Did not!” She slams her hands on her hips and sticks her tongue out.
“Come closer and I’ll show you.” Jax waves her over and when she steps closer with her mouth wide open, he scoops her up and tickles her. Loud squeals blare across the kitchen.
“I’m going to pee!”
“Okay, I guess you brushed all your teeth.” Jax sets her down and taps her nose.
“Alright, kiddos, you ready to head to Grandma’s?” Sarah asks, clapping her hands.
“Can I go with Luke and help at the shop?” Matt asks, looking hopeful at me.
“Fine with me, but I’ll put you to work,” Luke says smiling, but he glances at me to make sure I’m okay with it. I simply nod, my heart swells with more love than I knew I could have for a man. Not that long ago my life was falling apart. First, the fire that consumed my house, then Luke walking back into my life, and Henry trying to take everything, including my life. It all seems like a distant memory when I’m surrounded by family.
How did I get so lucky?
29
- Luke -
“Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!” Burns bellows as he comes through the front door dressed in a Santa suit with a fake beard and all.
“Why is Santa skinny?” Emily asks, climbing onto my lap.
“Em, that’s Burns.” Matt rolls his eyes. He’s sitting close to the Christmas tree eyeing the presents, waiting patiently for everyone to get here. It’s early, the sun isn’t even up, but everyone wanted to watch Emily and Matt open presents, even if it meant coming over at six a.m.
The Colson men haven’t had a Christmas since our mom died. Over the last several months we have all managed to be in Peak Valley at the same time, too. Before this year, I can’t remember the last time all four of us were together. I like having them around and hope they keep coming around.
“Santa Burns has presents!” Burns says in a jolly voice. Emily giggles when Burns pretends he can’t carry the oversized red sack filled with presents.
“Quick scaring the children, old man,” Benny calls from the couch, sipping some coffee.
“I’m not scaring the children. Am I scaring you, Emily?”
“No!” Emily laughs and Burns bops her nose.
“Sorry we are late. Burns insisted on dressing up,” Miss Janet apologizes, patting my shoulder.
“He was also a bear to wake up,” Jax says, taking the sack from Burns and carrying it over to the Christmas tree.
“What are you wearing, old man?” Eric asks as he comes down the hallway, Molly following close behind. Molly was released a few days after being hurt by the hitman and has been recovering well.
“Quit calling me an old man. I’m Santa Burns,” Burns grumbles. “I’m getting some coffee.”
“I’ll join you,” Miss Janet says with a wave.
“He’s going to be grumpy,” Clint grunts.
“He’ll perk up when he gets some food in him.” Jax yawns again, taking a seat next to Matt on the floor. “I plan to put myself in a food coma.”
“Can we open presents now?” Emily asks, bouncing in my lap.
“Yes, go get your mom.” Emily jumps off my lap and runs into the kitchen where the women have been brewing coffee and preparing breakfast.
The house has smelled like Christmas cookies for weeks now and with each passing day since the incident with Henry and the hired hitman, everyone has begun to let the Christmas spirit take over.
Both the kids were confused at first, not understanding completely what their dad had done, but Amber and I both thought it best if they got a more watered-down version of the truth. We will give them the full truth when they get older, but for now, our goal is to make them happy.
“You’re going to love my present, Matt. I’ll be your favorite uncle after this.” Jax winks at Matt. That is another new development. Emily started referring to my brothers as her uncles and they have been eating it up, competing for the title of favorite uncle.
“Please, they both will call me their favorite uncle once they get my present,” Eric scoffs, taking a seat next to Matt on the floor with a mug of coffee. Molly curls up by his feet.
“I see you boys are arguing for favorite uncle but know I will always hold the favorite aunt title,” Sarah says, pulling up a stool behind the couch.
“Until I make them their favorite brownies.” Dawn laughs coming to sit on Clint’s lap.
“Alright, Emily and Matt, you both know the rule, one present at a time,” Amber says, taking a seat next to me and handing me a mug of coffee.
“Thank you, darlin’.” I throw my arm around her and pull her close.
Christmas erupts in a frenzy of wrapping paper, candy stealing from the kids, and Burns and Benny’s bickering.
Emily and Matt were more than spoiled today. Each Colson brother tried to win that coveted favorite uncle slot.
We finally take the kids to the garage to show them their bikes. Emily squealed when Clint and Dawn gave her a unicorn helmet and glittery ribbons for the handlebars. Jax was pleased to see he put it together properly and tried to get her to pop a wheelie before Amber intervened.
Matt went nuts over his dirt bike and suited up in his gear. Jax and Clint ran through how to ride it and started it up, giving him pointers and throwing in some safety tips to ease Amber’s anxiety. It’s too cold for us to stay out for long, so we made our way back into the house, hungry for some biscuits and gravy.
“Mind telling Eric I’m your favorite uncle?” Jax asks Matt while we file into the kitchen from the mud room.
“He hasn’t received my final present yet.” Eric smirks then winks at Matt.
“What do you mean . . . final present?” Jax narrows his eyes at Eric.
“You think after the dirt bike I was going to let you win so easily?”
“Remember who fixed that dirt bike up,” Clint chimes in.
“Sneaky bastards,” Jax mutters.
“I really hope you ran this past Amber,” I whisper to Eric when he walks past me.
“Run what past me?” Amber asks, sneaking up behind me.
“Eric’s gifts for the kids.”
“Umm, yes? The riding gear and Emily’s doll house, right?” Confused, she looks at Eric.
“Yeah, I may have forgotten to talk with her . . ..” Eric rubs the back of his head. “In my defense, I thought you would have at least told her.”
“No, I didn’t tell her.” I cringe, seeing Amber eye us both suspiciously. This may not end well. “Do not give them their presents yet.” I point to Eric. “Not until Amber signs off.”